225-C15 - Deterrence Theory, Routine Activity Theory, and Rational Choice Theory

Question 1

What is Beccaria’s Classical Theory?

Answer 1

“People rationallty calculate the consequences of their behaviour”

Question 2

T/F: Severity, Certainty, and Public Shame are equally important in detterents.

Answer 2

FALSE: Only Certainty is important out of these factors.

Question 3

Does imprisonment deter crime, according to Durlaud and Nagin?

Answer 3

NO. it may even increase recidivism rates.

Question 4

What types of crimes/other factors contribute to the ineffectiveness of severe penalties as a deterrent of crime? (6)

Answer 4

1. rate of incarceration is low. harsh sentences only affect a small minority
2. addiction problems such as drug and alc are probably not dettered
3. some offenders are unawareof these severe penalties

Question 5

what are the failures of Mandatory Minimum sentences?

Answer 5

1. war on drugs
2. prosecutors and judges evade mandatory minimum sentences
3. some argue they violate Charter rights
4. existing punishment levels is severe enough.

Question 6

What are two ways to increase the certainty of punishment?

Answer 6

1. INCREASE PUNISHERS - hot spot policing
2. INCREASE KNOWLEDGE - individualized deterrence

Question 7

What is rational choice theory?

Answer 7

crime is a result of deliberate choices made by offenders based on their calculations of risks and rewards

Question 8

What are the three places examined by environmental criminology?

What are we looking for in these places?

Answer 8

1. Nodes (places frequented by criminal)
2. Paths (between nodes)
3. Edges (boundaries between different types of land use

we are looking for RELEASER CUES

Question 9

What are releaser cues?

Answer 9

In Environmental Criminology, these are physical cues in the environment that a certain behaviour (crime) can be effectively executed

Question 10

Three aspects of Routive Activity Theory

Answer 10

1. a likely offender
2. a suitable target
3. the absence of a capable guardian

Question 11

What can mediate “guardianship” in routine activity theory?

Answer 11

effective guardianships

Question 12

What can mediate “suitable targets” in routine activity theory?

Answer 12

• risk factors

Question 13

What mediates “likely offenders” in routine activity theory?

Answer 13

1. intimate handlers - people who know the offender and can control them
2. Crime facilitators - can be physical, social, or chemical

Question 14

critiques of rational choice and routine activity theory

Answer 14

do not account for crimes involving strong emotions

Question 15

5-pronged plan for Situational Crime Prevention

Answer 15

1. effort cost
2. risk of getting caught
3. reducing crime benefits
4. reducing provocations
5. clear rules and limits

Question 16

critiques of Situational Crime Prevention

Answer 16

1. too much of a Big Brother state
2. not comprehensive enough

Question 17

2-pronged plan for reducing the motivation of offenders

Answer 17

1. Family - teaching good parenting
2. Employment programs and availability